Multi-panel lacrosse pocket

ABSTRACT

A unitary pocket for a lacrosse head having two or more panels formed in lattice patterns, joined together lengthwise, and secured within the head of a lacrosse stick with little or no stringing. All panels are die-cut or laser-cut from flat sheet material with a pattern of cutouts, or alternatively molded as such to provide the lattice-patterns. In a preferred embodiment, a center panel if formed with a first lattice pattern including a plurality of longitudinal thong elements joined by a plurality of lateral cross-elements. Similarly, left and right side panels are each die or laser cut with a second lattice pattern including at least one longitudinal thong element and a plurality of lateral elements. The lateral elements of the left and right side panels are affixed on one side to the sides of the lacrosse stick head. On the other side, the lateral elements of the left and right side panels are attached to the outermost thongs of the center panel. Lateral elements of the center, left and right side panels may be joined directly to or attached by stringing, ties, or other means to the scoop and throat of the lacrosse stick head. The resulting lacrosse pocket does not require hand lacing, can be easily adjusted to a wide variety of stick head shapes, and can be economically manufactured and assembled in a minimum number of pieces and steps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/923,964, filed Jan. 6, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to lacrosse sticks and, more particularly, to a multi-panel lacrosse stick pocket.

B. Description of the Related Art

As shown in FIG. 1A, a traditional lacrosse stick pocket is strung with a plurality of (typically four) longitudinal thong elements 12 formed of leather, woven cord or other suitable material, which thongs 12 extend between respective apertures 22 in the scoop 16 of the lacrosse head 10 to a base (also referred to as a “ball stop” or “throat area”) 23. An open weave cross lacing 14 extends transversely from the sides of the head 10 and interconnect the thong elements 12 to maintain them in a predetermined spatial relationship. Open weave cross lacing 14 wraps around each leather thong element 12 (or, alternatively, may pass through slits provided in thong elements 12). The illustrated assembly is a traditionally-strung pocket well-suited for catching, carrying and throwing a lacrosse ball. It is also compliant with women's lacrosse equipment rules promulgated by US Lacrosse™, the pertinent sections of which provide as follows:

-   -   The Pockets (Field Crosses)     -   SECTION 20. The pockets of all field crosses shall be strung         with four or five longitudinal leather and/or synthetic thongs.         Mesh pockets are not allowed. Longitudinal leather or synthetic         thongs shall be 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm wide. Each thong must be made         of one material (leather, synthetic leather or nylon cord) and         run the full length of the head. Thongs must nominally be the         same width along their full length. A second material may be         used in close proximity to the scoop and the ball stop to allow         attachment of each thong to the head. Thongs must be attached to         the head through holes in the scoop and at the ball stop. The         thongs at the ball stop must extend 5.1 cm beyond the ball stop.         Thongs must be evenly spaced (not bunched) along the length and         across the width of the head. The loose ends of the thongs may         not be woven back up through the pocket of the crosse.     -   SECTION 21. The pockets of all field crosses shall be strung         with eight to 12 stitches of cross lacing. Cross-lacing in a         traditionally strung pocket is defined as eight to 12         knots/stitches, where two pocket nylon laces intertwine at a         common place on a thong.     -   SECTION 22. Cross-lacing in a pre-manufactured detachable pocket         is defined as 8 to 12 evenly spaced pocket nylon laces that are         sewn or traditionally woven between evenly spaced longitudinal         thongs.     -   SECTION 23. The nominal diameter of the shooting/throw string         nylon cord and sidewall nylon cord shall be 0.3 cm maximum. The         nominal diameter of pocket nylon must be less than 0.3 cm.     -   SECTION 24. Field crosses shall have no more than two separate         shooting/throw strings. Shooting/throw strings shall not be         rolled or coiled or twisted more than twice between each thong.         Flat laces may not be used as shooting/throw strings.     -   SECTION 25. Both shooting/throw strings must be attached in the         upper third of the head, or, the top shooting/throw string must         be attached in the upper third in the head and the bottom         shooting/throw string may be an inverted “U” in shape and must         be attached in the upper two-thirds of the head, as measured         from the top outside edge of the scoop.     -   SECTION 26. All components of the pocket shall be integral,         either by tying or by stitching. In no case shall components be         slid over the shooting strings, cross lacings, or thongs. This         rule strictly prohibits the use of beads, tubing, or similar         items on any part of the pocket.

With reference to FIG. 1B, another conventional lacrosse stick stringing configuration known in the art is the mesh configuration 30. Rather than the longitudinal thongs and open weave lacing of the traditional lacrosse stick stringing configuration, the mesh configuration employs a woven mesh forming a continuous panel 32 defined by a plurality of openings or “mesh diamonds” provided therein. Mesh panel 32 is peripherally coupled to the head of the lacrosse stick by stringing cords or other binding materials. For example, the illustrated embodiment uses open weave lacing 34 to interconnect the mesh panel 32 to side walls 38 of the head. This configuration provides sufficient flexibility to a central portion of the pocket, facilitating formation of a suitable ball pocket due to the relatively non-deformable open weave lacings. Mesh and traditional pockets, however, are difficult to string because they require intricate lacing along the head frame, which calls for much dexterity to properly assemble.

In all conventional stringing configurations, transverse cross lacing 26 (in FIG. 1A), 36 (in FIG. 1 B), sometimes referred to as “shooting strings”, may also be provided. Conventional shooting strings 26, 36 are made from cord, shoe-lace or other string-like material, including woven synthetic materials such as nylon, and are interwoven among the pocket lacing and thongs 12 or in between the mesh diamonds. In addition to supporting the pocket stringing, the shooting strings 26, 36 prevent the lacrosse ball from traveling too far up the pocket assembly and striking the scoop portion of the head. When a lacrosse ball strikes the inside lip of the scoop as it leaves the head, the impact may cause inaccurate passing and shooting of the ball. Thus, shooting strings 26, 36 are designed to be the point of departure of a thrown ball, facilitating accurate passing and shooting. Players use one or more shooting strings in a variety of locations and positions in the pocket in an effort to fine-tune and adjust their pocket to suit their style of play. These same shooting strings 26, 36 may be interwoven among the pocket lacing and thongs 12 or in between the mesh diamonds in the pocket from sidewall-to-sidewall. They may take an arc-like or upside down V- or U-shape. In all such cases strings 26, 36 enhance pocket formation, facilitate ball location, and create a channeling-like effect when the ball is cradled, carried or thrown.

The foregoing and other conventional lacrosse pockets require substantial time and considerable skill to string and attach to the head. Advanced players often have the skill and desire to string their own stick so as to customize the pocket characteristics to their liking. However, youth or beginning players typically lack this skill and cannot string their own stick. Instead, they must rely on skilled stringers or purchase lacrosse sticks with manufacturer- supplied pockets. Even factory-strung heads entail a labor intensive process requiring skilled employees. Indeed, the majority of the cost for factory-stringing a lacrosse stick pocket and attaching it to the head is a result of labor, rather than materials.

What is needed is a pre-formed lacrosse pocket that does not require intricate hand lacing but still meets the above-described men's and women's lacrosse equipment rules. U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,132 to Brine et al., issued Jan. 14, 2003, shows a lacrosse stick head having a ball carrying and ball shooting area, and a single preformed panel covering the entire width of the pocket. This construction necessarily affects the entire shooting area and eliminates separately tied thongs that run from the scoop to the throat area. Multiple discrete thongs contribute to the feel and play of a traditionally strung head, and are compliant with both men's and women's rules. However, the single preformed panel of the Brine reference spanning the head frame does not meet the women's rules and plays much differently than either a traditional pocket or even a conventional nylon mesh pocket. Importantly, the Brine pocket lacks any interaction among independent panel segments that is important to achieving the objects of the invention. So, what is needed is a multipanel, pre-formed lacrosse pocket that retains the basic characteristics and feel of a traditionally strung head while meeting the most commonly followed game rules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a fully- or partially preformed lacrosse pocket that does not require intricate hand lacing but meets men's and women's lacrosse equipment rules.

It is another object of the invention to provide a fully- or partially-pre-formed lacrosse pocket that can be easily adjusted so as to be usable with a variety of stick head shapes.

It is yet another object to provide a pocket that can be easily manufactured and assembled in a minimum number of pieces and steps.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a pocket that retains its shape and playing characteristics during play.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lacrosse pocket that can be easily adjusted or replaced by the player.

It is another object of the invention to provide a lacrosse pocket made with materials that play and feel like a traditionally strung pocket but is easier to assemble.

To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention comprises a pocket for a lacrosse stick head having a plurality of (preferably three) lattice panels joined to form a unitary pocket that can be secured within the head of a lacrosse stick with little or no stringing. A center panel is laser or die cut with a pattern of cutouts from a synthetic layer, or may be molded as such to provide a first lattice pattern. The first lattice pattern includes a plurality of longitudinal thong elements joined by a plurality of lateral cross-elements. Similarly, left and right side panels are each die or laser cut with a pattern of cutouts from a synthetic layer, or molded as such, in a second lattice-pattern. The second lattice pattern includes at least one longitudinal thong element and a plurality of lateral elements. The lateral elements of the left and right side panels are affixed on one side to the sides of the lacrosse stick head using a side string, ties, or other method of attachment (e.g. self attached or with fasteners). On the other side, the lateral elements of the left and right side panels are attached to the outermost thongs of the center panel. For example, the lateral elements of the left and right side panels may be attached to the outermost thongs of the center panel by wrapping them around those of the center panel and then stitching them back upon themselves. Optionally, the lateral elements of the left and right side panels (at the peripheral edges of the pocket assembly) may be provided with a series of holes by which they are secured to the sidewalls of the head with ties, side string, or other fastening means. Alternatively, no center panel is used and the lateral elements of the left and right side panels are attached to one or more longitudinal thongs that are separately attached to the scoop and the throat end of the head.

All of the left, center and right side panels may be die or laser cut from natural or synthetic sheets of material, or molded as such to define the a first and/or second lattice-patterns. The lattice pattern(s) and perforations cut into the panels and the material selection can be varied to produce a panel having the desired physical playing characteristics. To meet women's lacrosse equipment rules promulgated by US Lacrosse™, left and right side panels can be nylon or nylon-based material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, longitudinal thong elements are connected directly to and may extend through the ball stop or “throat” of the lacrosse stick head, and may be secured thereto by tying or like means. In another embodiment of the present invention, the base(s) of the left, right, and/or center panel(s) may be provided with holes or other means for fastening stringing material, ties, or the like that may in turn extend through the ball stop and secure the panel(s) thereto.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are prior art conventionally strung lacrosse heads.

FIG. 2 is a lacrosse head with pocket according to a first embodiment of the present invention having a multi-panel pre-formed construction.

FIG. 3 is a lacrosse head with pocket according a second embodiment of the present invention depicting detail of the connection means between panel(s) and the ball stop 81 of lacrosse stick head 80.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 2, a lacrosse stick head 80 is provided in which is situated a pocket assembly 82 according to the present invention. The pocket assembly 82 is assembled from two or more die-cut, laser-cut, or molded lattice panels 86, 88 attached together. In a first embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 2, the multiple lattice panels 86, 88 are each connected to both the scoop and base of the stick head, and are attached to each other longitudinally there between.

In a preferred embodiment the pocket assembly 82 is constructed of three (3) lattice panels including a center panel 86 flanked on either side by a side panel 88. Center panel 86 is defined by a first lattice pattern including a plurality of longitudinal thong elements 91, 93 joined by a plurality of lateral cross-elements 97. Left and right side panels 88 are each defined by a second lattice-pattern having at least one longitudinal thong element 94 and a plurality of lateral elements 98. The lateral elements 98 of the left and right side panels 88 are affixed on one side to the sides of the lacrosse stick head 80 with side string, ties or other fastening means. On the other side, the lateral elements 98 of the left and right side panels 88 are attached to the outermost thongs 91 of the center panel 86. Constructed this way, pocket assembly 82 will generally retain its shape during play rather than experience the undesirable movement of thongs and cross lacing common in conventionally strung pockets.

Center panel 86 is a preferably constructed by die-cutting or laser-cutting a synthetic polymer sheet material to provide two thongs 91 running continuously the length of the center panel 86 and extending from the scoop to the throat of the head. Thongs 91 are preferably situated at or near the lateral periphery of the center panel 86 so as to form the left and right edges thereof, for attachment of the side panels 88. An additional central thong 93 is formed between thongs 91 and, together with lateral elements 97 that decrease in length (horizontally) from the scoop end to the throat end of the head, serve to stabilize thongs 91. The first lattice pattern of center panel 86 may be die or laser cut with a series or pattern of perforations 92 between the thongs 91 to replicate or emulate the look of traditionally strung pockets, but one skilled in the art will understand that the first lattice pattern may take a variety of shapes. Although preferably die cut or laser cut from a synthetic polymer sheet material, preferably, a nylon sheet, center panel 86 may alternately be molded from a plastic polymer and, more preferably, from a fiber reinforced plastic polymer.

As with center panel 86, the second lattice patterns of left and right side panels 88 may be laser or die cut with a series or pattern of perforations to define at least one longitudinal thong 94 extending from the scoop to the throat, and a plurality of lateral elements 98 extending from the thong 94 in each direction. The second lattice patterns of left and right side panels 88 are preferably identical mirror-opposites, and may likewise replicate or emulate the look of traditionally strung pockets, but may be any shape or design. Although left and right side panels 88 are preferably die or laser cut from a synthetic polymer sheet material, preferably, a nylon sheet, left and right side panels 88 may alternately be molded as described above with reference to center panel 86.

In a preferred embodiment, both center panel 86 and side panels 88 are formed from a woven material (e.g. nylon) that is coated with an elastomer material for added strength. Alternatively, an uncoated nylon material may be used to form panels 86, 88. The panel may be formed from any material having sufficient strength to withstand repeated impact from a conventional lacrosse ball without breaking or cracking, as long as the material may be formed to the desired panel shape and is pliable enough to function as a lacrosse head pocket. Material used could include polymers, hard rubber, silicone, or other material that has synthetic rubber-like properties, such as, for example, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber also known as Hypalon™. In addition, any material(s) known in the art may be used to form both coated and un-coated panels, such as leather, composite or polyester fibers, or the like, as long as the material has the characteristics described herein.

Where the outside panels 88 abut the center panel 86, the lateral elements 98 of side panels 88 are attached to thongs 91 of center panel 86. For example, the lateral elements 98 may be attached by looping them around the thongs 91 of center panel 86 and securing them back upon themselves as by stitching, sonic welding or other techniques known to those skilled in the art. In this way the three panels 88, 86 are joined to from a unitary pocket assembly 82.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the lateral elements 98 at the outside periphery of the pocket assembly 82 may be varied in length to cooperate with the varied shape of the lacrosse stick head. Alternatively, the lateral elements 98 at the outside periphery of the pocket assembly 82 may be provided with a sequence of spaced-holes 101 to facilitate joining the pocket assembly 82 to various shapes and sizes of lacrosse stick head 80 via any of holes 101. The multiple holes 101 thereby accommodate differently sized and shaped lacrosse stick heads.

Also as shown in FIG. 2, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the lateral elements 98 at the outside periphery of the pocket assembly 82 may be attached to the sides of the head by conventional perimeter side stringing, and likewise the thongs 91, 93, 94 may be attached to the scoop 16 of the lacrosse head 10 or throat area 23 by tying them around directly, indirectly using perimeter stringing through thong holes 101, or otherwise attaching them in any suitable manner. Pocket assembly 82, however, avoids the intricacies of conventional stringing by eliminating the weaving and securing of cross lacing.

With reference to FIG. 3, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, lateral elements 91, 93, 94 may be sized lengthwise such that they stop short of the throat 81 of head 80. Lateral elements 91, 93, 94 may further comprise holes or openings 99 through which perimeter stringing such as ties 100 may pass to join pocket assembly 82 to the throat 81 of head 80. As shown in FIG. 3, openings 99 may be the same openings used to connect side panels 88 to center panel 86 via cross elements 97 (as depicted in FIG. 3 with respect to center panel 86) or may be distinct openings designed specifically for use with stringing means 100.

In another embodiment of the preferred invention, the tops of side 88 and center 86 panels proximate the scoop 83 of head 80 may likewise stop short of scoop 83 and be joined thereto with separate stringing means (not shown) as described above with respect to stringing means 100.

The first and second lattice-patterns and perforations cut into the panels, and the material selection can be varied to produce a panel of desired physical playing characteristics. Moreover, the relatively flat characteristics of pocket assembly 82 as compared with conventional stringage increases surface contact with the ball and improves feel. In addition, a slightly elastic material selection may be made to provide a degree of shock-absorption, thereby making throwing and catching smoother as well as more consistent, and generally improving playability of the strung head. If desired, center panel 86 and/or left and right side panels 88 may be molded with three dimensional surface features to help channel or otherwise control the ball. As with traditionally strung pockets, shooting strings may also be applied in accordance with equipment rules to assembly 82.

FIG. 2 depicts one of the many shapes that die- or laser-cut side 88 and center 88 panels may take. As shown in FIG. 2, side panels 88 may further comprise diagonal thongs 95, 96 between longitudinal elements 94 and lateral elements 98, or in place of lateral elements 98, depending on the width of side panels 88 at various portions of pocket assembly 82. Diagonal thongs 95, 96 add further support to the overall configuration of pocket assembly 82 and help pocket assembly maintain its shape for better ball handling and throwing characteristics. Alternatively, diagonal thongs 95, 96 may be omitted in favor of a cross-hatch netting design as depicted with respect to center panel 86 in FIG. 2.

In an alternate embodiment no center panel 86 is used. In this case the lateral elements of the left and right side panels 88 may be attached to one or more longitudinal thongs (not shown) that are separately attached at the scoop and the throat end of the head.

In all the foregoing embodiments the inventive lacrosse pocket does not require intricate hand lacing, can be easily adjusted to a wide variety of lacrosse head shapes, and can be economically manufactured and assembled with fewer parts and labor.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A pocket for a lacrosse stick head, the head comprising a throat, a scoop, and a pair of opposing sidewalls extending from said throat to said scoop, said pocket comprising: a first panel formed of a unitary piece of pliable sheet material, said first panel having a series of cutouts therein defining one or more solid first longitudinal elements and one or more solid first lateral cross-elements; a second panel formed of a unitary piece of pliable sheet material, said second panel having a series of cutouts therein defining one or more solid second longitudinal elements and one or more solid second lateral cross-elements; said first and second panel lateral cross elements being attached along one or more longitudinal sections positioned between said first and second panels.
 2. The pocket of claim 1, further comprising one or more lateral shooting strings positioned across an entire lateral width of said first and second panels.
 3. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said first and second longitudinal elements each further comprise at least one opening at a distal end of said longitudinal elements proximate said throat of said lacrosse stick head, said each at least one opening being sized and located to correspond to a stringing hole on said throat.
 4. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said first and second longitudinal elements are each located cooperatively with at least one stringing hole on said throat of said lacrosse stick head.
 5. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said first and second longitudinal elements each further comprise at least one opening at a distal end of said longitudinal elements proximate said scoop of said lacrosse stick head, said each at least one opening being sized and located to correspond to a stringing hole on said scoop.
 6. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said first and second longitudinal elements are each located cooperatively with at least one stringing hole on said scoop of said lacrosse stick head.
 7. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said one or more longitudinal sections positioned between said first and second panels comprise a third panel formed of a unitary piece of pliable sheet material, said third panel having a series of cutouts therein defining one or more solid third longitudinal elements and one or more solid third lateral cross-elements.
 8. The pocket of claim 7, wherein said series of cutouts of said third panel are different said series of cutouts of said first and second panels.
 9. The pocket of claim 7, further comprising one or more lateral shooting strings positioned across an entire lateral width of said first, second and third panels.
 10. The pocket of claim 7, wherein said first, second, and third longitudinal elements each further comprise at least one opening at a distal end of said longitudinal elements proximate said throat of said lacrosse stick head, said each at least one opening being sized and located to correspond to a stringing hole on said throat.
 11. The pocket of claim 7, wherein said first, second and third longitudinal elements are each located cooperatively with at least one stringing hole on said throat of said lacrosse stick head.
 12. The pocket of claim 7, wherein said first, second and third longitudinal elements each further comprise at least one opening at a distal end of said longitudinal elements proximate said scoop of said lacrosse stick head, said each at least one opening being sized and located to correspond to a stringing hole on said scoop.
 13. The pocket of claim 7, wherein said first and second longitudinal elements are each located cooperatively with at least one stringing hole on said scoop of said lacrosse stick head.
 14. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said first and second panels further comprise at least one diagonal element linking at least one of said lateral elements to at least one of said longitudinal elements.
 15. The pocket of claim 7, wherein said first, second and third panels further comprise at least one diagonal element linking at least one of said lateral elements to at least one of said longitudinal elements.
 16. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said first and second longitudinal elements are between 3 mm and 10 mm wide along a lateral axis.
 17. The pocket of claim 7, wherein said first, second and third longitudinal elements are between 3 mm and 10 mm wide along a lateral axis.
 18. A pocket for a lacrosse stick head, comprising a plurality of lattice panels each formed from a unitary section of pliable sheet material and defined by a plurality of apertures to form a web resembling interlaced strips, each said lattice panel being attached to said lacrosse stick head and to an adjacent lattice panel such that said plurality of lattice panels collectively define a pocket for said lacrosse stick head.
 19. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of lattice panels further comprise at least two conjoined lattice panels.
 20. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of lattice panels further comprise three conjoined lattice panels including a central shooting panel and opposing side panels.
 21. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of lattice panels are each cut from a polymer sheet material.
 22. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 21, wherein said polymer sheet material is fiber-reinforced.
 23. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of lattice panels are each molded from a polymer material.
 24. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 19, wherein said at least two conjoined lattice panels comprise at least two different lattice patterns.
 25. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 20, wherein said central shooting panel comprises a different lattice pattern than said opposing side panels.
 26. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 25, wherein said central shooting panel lattice pattern comprises a plurality of longitudinal elements and a plurality of lateral elements.
 27. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 25, wherein said opposing side panels comprise a lattice pattern having at least one longitudinal element and a plurality of lateral elements.
 28. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 27, wherein said opposing side panel lateral elements are secured on one side to said lacrosse stick head and are secured on another side to said central shooting panel.
 29. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 26, wherein said central shooting panel lattice pattern comprises two longitudinal shooting elements secured between a throat and scoop of said lacrosse stick head.
 30. The pocket for a lacrosse stick head according to claim 29, wherein said two longitudinal shooting elements are within a range of from 3 mm to 10 mm wide. 